Scotland’s U21 men are looking to continue a scoring run against the top European sides in the EuroHockey Junior Nations Championship in San Sebastian next week (20-26 July).

Scotland sit in pool B alongside power-houses Germany, as well as Belgium and Poland.  The Scots beat the Poles earlier this month in a three match test series with high score lines such as 5-4 and 5-3. The squad also netted plenty of goals to take the Junior Celtic Cup this June in Edinburgh.
 
U21 manager Tom Johnston said: “Going into the Europeans we are very excited, we have an excellent opportunity for top six, to stay in the A division. 
 
“Our first two games, against Germany and Belgium, will be crucial.  If we can get something against them I’m confident we can get to the semi-finals.”
 
Despite a recent roll of goals, the Scots have conceded plenty and Johnston commented: “We need to tighten up defensively in the second half. When things get tough, particularly looking at our games against Germany and Belgium, we need to remain consistent and score goals but not give any away.”
 
“It seems when we concede one, structure breaks and we lose another. The team is now settled and playing together, more cohesively, so we are hoping to play more consistently.”
 
Maintaining their A division status will automatically qualify the Scots for the Junior World Cup next year in Singapore.  They start off against current European Champions Germany Sunday at 10:00, followed by Belgium on Monday at 19:15 and Poland on Wednesday at 10:00.
 
Scotland’s Junior women also compete 20-26th July in the EuroHockey Junior Nations Trophy in Prague.